Festive Pomegranate Recipe Collection to Invigorate Your Winter Festivities
Pomegranate season laps parallel to the festivity season, from October through January. So, it's no secret that the fruit's vibrant little nuggets are a traditional choice for adding crucial nutrients, crunch, and (as we all know) festive color to holiday dishes. But you're not on your own if you feel a bit puzzled about how exactly to use those juicy little nuggets—in holiday cooking or otherwise. Pomegranates have a notorious reputation for being a pain in the ass to deseed, and once you get to their bite-sized gems (arils, if you want to get technical), it may seem like all you can do is toss them onto a salad as throwaway decoration.
But don't be fooled, mate—pomegranate seeds are much more than that! We've rounded up 15 fabulous recipes—from drinks to desserts—that'll make your holiday season pop with pomegranate pizzazz.
Boozy Pomegranate Punch for Bauchet Bash
If you're joining any office holiday get-togethers, these should be some killer options for the punch bowl.
1. Pom-tastic Pomegranate Sangria
Every holiday event needs a pitcher (or barrelless tub, if you're feeling saucy) of punch. This pomegranate sangria delivers the goods with a mix of wine, liqueur, pomegranate juice, and fresh pomegranate arils. But just remember to chew, not swallow, the seeds as you gulp.
Check it out!
2. Cranberry Pomegranate Mocktail (for the Sober Squad)
When the holidays roll in, it can be smart to hold back on the sauce—whether it's due to a health issue, because you're expecting, or because you're serving as the designated driver. If you or your mates are abstaining from alcohol, try this lively, fruity mocktail made with just five ingredients. With its deep ruby red hue, it's even got the boozehounds fooled.
Get into it!
3. Bubbly Pomegranate Maple Fizz
It's cool to know that the Fizz cocktail (a blend of alcohol, carbonated water, and acidic juice) got popular during the Roaring '20s, when bootleg gin got all the attention.
For this champagne-colored version, you'll have to concoct your own pomegranate juice using a blender and sieve. From there, a quick stir of tonic water, maple syrup, and vodka pulls together a cocktail that echoes the glamour of the past.
Get the recipe!
Nibble-worthy Pomegranate Apps and Snacks
Here are some options for those who crave a light bite before a meal or a late-night munch.
4. Pom-Filled Popcorn
If you're anyone worth their salted caramel popcorn, you've probably experimented with a variety of kernels and toppings. How about adding pomegranate to your list? For a cosy movie night in, a bowl of popcorn dotted with pomegranate gems and dark chocolate makes for an interesting crunch-and-sweet combination.
See it!
5. Middle Eastern Spread: Muhammara with Mozzarella
Move over hummus, a new dip's taking the stage for the holidays! Muhammara is a Middle Eastern concoction made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. This version amps up the pome-flavor with a scattering of fresh seeds. Serve it with raw veggies and pita bread, and it'll steal the show as part of a shared platter.
Give it a try!
6. Wild Blueberry and Pomegranate Bruschetta
Though it's not immediately obvious, pomegranate is technically classified as a berry—so it's a good fit for other berries (and basically every other berry). Here, pomegranate seeds mingle with other fruity pals in this antioxidant-rich bruschetta. The berries mix with a Greek yogurt-goat cheese spread, which gets layered onto baguette slices.
Snag the recipe!
7. Tahini Cauliflower Wings (Vegan, NBD)
Pomegranate seeds return to their native land (Mediterranean areas) in this tasty veggie starter. Roasted cauliflower gets dressed up with a tahini-yogurt dressing and then mixed with pomegranate gems, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley. If you'd like to make it vegan, just replace the dairy yogurt with a plant-based option.
YUM!
Pomegranate-Boosted Main Dishes for Yule
Contrary to common belief, pomegranate may be the secret ingredient your favourite dish has been missing.
8. Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin Baked to Perfection
Boy, did we find the perfect holiday roast! Pork loin gets a special culinary treatment with a simple DIY pomegranate cider glaze and is crowned with lavish gravy. Combined with luscious rosemary mashed potatoes and a sprinkling of pomegranate gems on top, it's a show-stopping centrepiece for any feast.
Mmm, cook it now!
9. Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry – Pomegranate Style
When the temperatures drop, who can resist a warming curry, topped with festive pomegranate seeds? This Indian-inspired main dish is full of veggies and spices and will leave your mouth feeling like it's been kissed by a thousand angels.
Make it now!
10. Pomegranate Avocado Quinoa Salad: Berry Healthy
In this ultra-colorful salad, pomegranate partners up with its berry counterpart, the avocado. Additional superfoods like kale, quinoa, pecans, and garlic round out the fiesta of whole-food ingredients. Give this nutrient-packed dish a spin as part of a holiday lunch or brunch.
Eat up!
11. Pomegranate Balsamic Chicken: 3-Incredible-Ingredient Elegance
The simplicity of this three-ingredient main dish knows no bounds. Pan-seared chicken thighs get smothered with a balsamic-pomegranate glaze on the stovetop, then finish baking in the oven to tender delectability. Optional pomegranate arils aside, it's a perfect dish to impress dinner guests.
Simply fabulous!
Desserts Sugared with Pomegranates
End on a sweet note with any of these yummy pomegranate-laden treats.
12. Vegan Pomegranate Brownies: A Double Berry Collaboration
It's well-established fact that chocolate and fruit is always a winning combo. Most berries tend to hog the spotlight, leaving pomegranate out in the cold. These vegan brownies brimming with chocolate chips and pomegranate seeds redress the balance. Just one word—yum!
Don't forget a taste!
13. Vanilla Bean Pomegranate Mini Cheesecakes: Vegan-Friendly
Is it more appropriate to serve multiple mini cheesecakes or a single larger pie for holiday festivities? It's the can't-pick-a-side dilemma, but this vanilla bean pomegranate cheesecake can come to the rescue. You can either serve as individual desserts or make one larger pie. With a no-bake spin, it's the cherry on top (or bottom—depends on how you slice it).
Eat it now!
14. Pom-tastic Pomegranate Mousse: Eye-catching and Sweet
This recipe for smooth and luscious pomegranate mousse takes advantage of pomegranate's vibrant red pigments to concoct a dairy dessert that's beyond cute. Don't skip on serving 'em in clear glasses or jars—the visual appeal is too good to squander.
If you don't have the agar-agar the recipe calls for as a thickener, you can simply sub gelatin (provided you're not vegan).
Tasty!
15. Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Bark with a Hint of Pistachio: A Holiday Tradition
Who says health and decadence can't coexist? This better-for-you dark chocolate bark features pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and a touch of vanilla—all of which pack a nutritious punch. Easily cut it into bite-sized morsels for healthier holiday indulgence.
Dig in!
Final Thoughts
As you deck the halls this year, don't forget to dress up your food too! Pomegranate's beautiful red gems can adorn a variety of mouth-watering dishes. By the time January rolls around, you may find yourself well on your way to pom-mania.
- Pomegranate seeds are more than just decoration - try using them in Pom-tastic Pomegranate Sangria, Cranberry Pomegranate Mocktail, Bubbly Pomegranate Maple Fizz, or Pom-Filled Popcorn.
- Explore more options for the punch bowl - Boozy Pomegranate Punch for Bauchet Bash, Cranberry Pomegranate Mocktail, Bubbly Pomegranate Maple Fizz, or Pom-Filled Popcorn can add pomegranate pizzazz to your holiday season.
- Add a unique twist to your appetizers and snacks - options like Pom-Filled Popcorn, Muhammara with Mozzarella, Wild Blueberry and Pomegranate Bruschetta, Tahini Cauliflower Wings, or Pomegranate Avocado Quinoa Salad may become your new favorites.
- Pomegranate may be the secret ingredient missing from your favorite dishes - give Pomegranate Cider Pork Loin Baked to Perfection, Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry – Pomegranate Style, Pomegranate Avocado Quinoa Salad, Pomegranate Balsamic Chicken, Vegan Pomegranate Brownies, Vanilla Bean Pomegranate Mini Cheesecakes, Pom-tastic Pomegranate Mousse, or Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Bark with a Hint of Pistachio a try for your next meal.
